April 22, 2013
Retailers have plenty of tech in their arsenal to beef up their approach toward an improved customer experience. But according to an article from ShopSmart, some of that tech could border on creepy in the eyes of the consumer.
Smartphone tracking, facial recognition cameras, personalized advertising and return rewards made the list for the tech that just might teeter too closely on the boundaries of privacy. Here is an excerpt:
Super Spy Cams
What's creepy about them: Gaze trackers are hidden in tiny holes in the shelving and detect which brands you're looking at and for how long. There are even mannequins whose eyes are cameras that detect the age, sex, ethnicity and facial expressions of passers-by.
Smartphone Tracking
What's creepy about it: Technology giant Cisco is testing a system at an undisclosed store. It automatically detects your mobile device and connects you to the retailer's free Wi-Fi network, which can detect when you search other online sellers for lower prices. If you check prices online while you're in the store, you might get messages that the store will match the lower prices you find.
Read more about technology in retail.
